Step 5: Back End

Your prototype and storyboard now become the foundation of your back-end structure. Draw a sketch of your servers, APIs, and data diagrams. Modify your prototype and storyboard according to technical limitations, if there are any.

When your prototype and story board is finalized, it is time to get your developer set up servers, databases, APIs, and storage solutions.

Step 6: Developer Account

Another important thing on your to-do list at this stage is signing up for developer accounts at the app marketplaces you are developing for. Getting your account approved may take several days (depending on the platform) and shouldn’t be left to the last minute.

Step 7: User Interface

Before programming the app, your designer need to come up with high-resolution versions of what were previously your prototype.

It is crucial to include all comments from your prototype testers (see step 4).

Step 8: Programming

While you waiting for your app to come into reality, it’s time to work on your ASO (app store optimization), which includes the title, keywords of your application, a thorough description of it, an app icon and also straightforward screenshots. Refer to our article on how to do ASO. (Should have a link here)

Step 9: Testing and Debugging

As you continue to build you will want to have a constant look at your new app. On Android, for example, it is easy to install your app file on a device to test its functionality in a live environment. iOS is different. There you will require a platform like TestFlight to download and test your app as it proceeds.

Get as much people as you could to involve in this process. Find all the malfunctions, bugs, ugly icons, etc. Let your developer debugging the app according to testing results.

Be patient and repeat the process several times until your application is well polished.

Step 10: Release

App marketplaces have very different policies when it comes to publishing a new app. Android, for example, does not review newly submitted apps right away. They’ll pass by at some point and check it out but you are able to instantly add your app to Google Play.

iOS, once again, is different here. Apple reserves the right to review and approve your app before it can go live. There is no set timeframe for this, but you can expect at least a week before you hear back from them.

Now you have the idea of the whole process of how to develop an app. If you have an app in mind and need someone to develop the app for you. Check out our Customer Mobile App services.